Collaborate to Motivate: An academic-government partnership to promote a comprehensive worksite wellness initiative

Background: Inspired by the NYS Prevention Agenda, Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) partnered with New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) to create a comprehensive worksite wellness initiative in a time of fiscal constraints. Literature demonstrates the need for healthcare professionals to prioritize their health.

Methods: The program includes monthly wellness lunchtime lectures taught by experts from NYIT and a five-month team and individual competitive walking program, Walk to NOLA, site of the 2014 APHA national conference. Steps are tracked using a pedometer. Evaluation tools include a survey post lecture and a pre and post walking program survey.

Results to date: Lectures: 6 sessions with 80 participants, 95% of attendees increased their knowledge and confidence for behavior change and 89% reported program merit. Walking Program - NCDOH: 35% (92) staff participation, 22% have reached mileage goal, 2% dropped out. After 4 weeks, steps increased 24%. Pre-post survey analysis will determine: personal goal reached, general wellbeing and change in activity levels. Walking Program-NYIT: 75% (48) staff participation and 4% have reached mileage goal. Testimonials at both sites revealed motivation, satisfaction, better health and weight loss. Monthly conference calls support ongoing collaboration.

Conclusion:  This program is an easily replicable worksite wellness initiative that can be used in any workplace, public or private. It requires few resources and is highly self-sustaining through the motivation and investment of the participants. The essential component to its success is the supportive collaboration between NCDOH and NYIT, facilitating the ongoing monitoring and support for its successful continuation.